Center of transformation

Groundbreaking for the much-anticipated Special Events Center is set for March.

Designed by HKS Inc., the $78 million venue will provide first-rate facilities for the University’s basketball and volleyball programs and host commencements, convocations, concerts, speakers and other events. With its location on the east side of campus between South Center and South Pecan streets at West Second Street, the structure will help fuel the revitalization of downtown Arlington by creating an entertainment destination in the heart of the city. The 218,000-square-foot, 6,500-seat facility is being designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification for sustainable development and is expected to be completed by January 2012. The UT System Board of Regents gave final approval to the project in November.